NAD+ Therapy
What is NAD+?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme that is important for metabolism + ATP energy production in the mitochondria of our cells, providing the cell with the ability to carry out its functions. NAD+ impacts a wide variety of systems including digestion, cognition and mental acuity, aging, + overall energy levels. Unfortunately, as we age, our body’s NAD+ levels naturally decrease. Levels are at their highest in newborns, + decrease to roughly half that by the age of 50. These lowering levels can make you more susceptible to signs of aging + age-related illnesses.
The most effective way to boost your natural levels of this coenzyme + improve your wellness is through NAD+ IV therapy. Providing an additional source of NAD+ allows you to have better mood regulation, improved sleep, consistent fuel + energy for day-to-day needs, + additional cellular protection against damage by free radicals.
What are the Benefits of NAD+?
Boosts Energy
Increases Focus and Memory
Improves Mood
Enhances Immune Function
Decreases Inflammation
Increase Longevity
Increase Athletic Performance
Manage Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, & Treat Depression
What are the forms of NAD+ Supplementation?
There are oral, nasal, + topical supplements of NAD+. However, NAD+ is a sensitive coenzyme + quickly degrades. Therefore, it is doubtful that oral supplementation could maintain the potency of NAD+ to result in actual increased NAD+ levels within the body.
The benefits of NAD+ are dose dependent, meaning that improvements can be more noticeable + longer-lasting as greater dosages are introduced into the body. Dr. Toni Varela, NMD offers varying dosages intramuscularly, + high dose NAD+ is available through IV administration. These IVs must be given very slowly over about 2-4 hours. It takes about 15-20 IVs to achieve a therapeutic dose. Therefore, NAD+ IVs are not commonly done.
Most people require at least 10 grams of NAD+ supplementation to achieve the desired results + long-term benefits. Acquiring 10 grams of NAD+ supplementation can easily be done by administering NAD+ injections. It can be given a couple of times a week, or even daily, in the comfort of your home. It is a simple intramuscular injection. The injection process is similar to a B12 shot, however your first visit will take approximately 20-25 minutes as you will be asked to stay 10-15 minutes after the injection.
NAD+ injectable syringes are kept refrigerated since NAD+ is unstable at warm temperatures. The NAD+ injections are well tolerated + provide consistently positive results. It typically takes 2-3 injections per week for three months to see long-term benefits. However, short-term benefits, like mental clarity + energy can be seen instantly after one injection.
NAD+ therapies require a consultation for new patients, which can be booked at our BOOK NOW page. Choose the New Patient Appointment right for you. Current in-office NAD+ treatment prices can be found under Treatment Services.
• After the consultation, the NAD+ injection may be administered at home or in the office.
* There can be some mild side-effects associated with NAD+ therapy that you may or may not experience. Side effects most often occur from dosing too rapidly. Dr. Toni Varela, NMD makes a point to introduce NAD+ gradually to avoid any uncomfortable side effects. Side effects may include symptoms like nausea, increased heart rate, flushing, headache, or shortness of breath. If these side effects occur, they are generally short-lasting + can be monitored in the short time that you are with Dr. Varela.
-
Injection of NAD+ seems to be well tolerated and safe. Constipation, headache, shortness of breath, increased plasma bilirubin, decreased levels of gamma glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase are only a few of the possible adverse responses and side effects of NAD+ injection. Preliminary information on side effects and safety was supplied by case studies on the use of NAD+ for the treatment of drug addiction. According to a 1961 study, patients with addiction who got NAD+ at a moderate IV drip rate (no more than 35 drops per minute) reported "no distress" but those who received it at a quicker drip rate complained of headache and shortness of breath. In this study, the dosage was 500–1000 mg per day for 4 days, then two injections every week for a month, and then one injection every two months as a maintenance dose. One of the two patients who had therapy reported experiencing constipation. A 2019 study used liver function tests (serum, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase) and clinical observation of any adverse events to evaluate the safety of IV infusion of NAD+ in a cohort of healthy male participants (n=11; NAD+ n = 8 and Control Neither the NAD+ cohort nor the placebo (saline) cohort experienced any negative side effects throughout the 6 hour infusion. At 8 hours following the start of the NAD+ infusion, it was shown that the NAD+ group had significant declines in the liver function enzymes gamma glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase as well as a large increase in plasma bilirubin. The modifications, however, were not regarded as clinically important. Because of the limited sample sizes, notably for the control group, which are acknowledged by the authors, these results should be evaluated with care.
(Empower Pharmacy)